PHR Applauds US for Delivering Aid to Opposition Groups Within Syria

March 2012

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) today applauded the US Administration for delivering aid, including medical supplies to opposition groups within Syria.

The reported coordination between the US and Turkey will increase this essential aid during a time of increased violence within Syria. The administration of such humanitarian aid is a key recommendation in PHR’s policy statement on Syria, and represents a significant advance in the international community’s efforts to directly help the people of Syria.

The US must continue to press for an end to attacks on civilians in Syria and greater assistance to those aiding civilians fleeing the country.

The US could provide additional financial support to Syria’s neighbors for the creation of safe zones, and could provide greater support to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to reach even more people in need.

The entire international community should continue pressing for the Syrian government to comply with Kofi Annan’s six-point peace plan, which includes calls for the admittance of humanitarian aid and political dialogue with opposition groups.

In December 2011, PHR published a report documenting violations of medical neutrality in Syria, including reports of government forces denying wounded civilians impartial medical treatment, invading or attacking health care facilities, inhibiting medical transport, and detaining and torturing doctors for treating civilians.